Allow me to introduce the Wind Chime Festival held every year at Seieizan Nyoirin‑ji in Ogori City, Fukuoka Prefecture — commonly known as “Kaeru‑dera” (Frog Temple).
Nyoirin‑ji is a historic temple of the Shingon Omuro sect, founded by Gyōki in the early Nara period. On the temple grounds you’ll find about ten thousand frog figurines, creating a distinctive atmosphere. The frog motif carries meanings such as “return home safely” and “fulfill your wishes,” and is beloved by visitors.
The Furin (Wind‑Chime) Festival is held each year from late April through late August (this year from April 1 to August 31). Thousands of wind chimes are hung along the approach path and within the temple grounds, creating a magical, immersive space. Clear and colored wind chimes, as well as ones with frog patterns, sway in the breeze, producing cool, melodious tones—the scenes resemble a tunnel of sound, soothing and enriching the hearts of visitors. There is also a custom of writing one’s wishes on the strip of paper attached to a wind chime, which is then offered—prayers such as “ward off evil” or “to get safely through the summer” are included. Wind chimes are sold for 500 yen each. Although you cannot take the chime home, once offered it becomes part of the temple grounds, together with your wish, adding to its colors.
The festival attracts a wide range of visitors, from families with children to elderly guests, and is also popular as an “Instagram-worthy” photo spot. For those looking to enjoy a more relaxed visit and take photos or appreciate the soothing sounds of the chimes, earlier morning hours (around 9:00 to 10:00 AM) tend to be less crowded and are recommended. (Temple visiting hours are from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM.) Access to the temple is easy: it’s about a 10 to 15-minute walk from Misawa Station on the Nishitetsu Tenjin-Ōmuta Line. If you’re coming by car, it takes about 10 to 15 minutes from the Chikugo-Ogōri Interchange. Free parking is available, but since weekends and holidays can get crowded, using public transportation is advised.
The Wind Chime Festival at Nyoirin-ji is a sensory celebration of sight and sound, brought to life by the colorful chimes and their cool, delicate tones. It’s an especially recommended spot for those seeking a refreshing, memorable cultural experience during the hot summer months. Be sure to visit with family or friends, take in the atmosphere of summer, and enjoy a moment of peace and tranquility. Although this year’s festival has already ended, if you haven’t been yet, make sure to visit next year!
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